The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with rumination in healthy adults.

Full Abstract

This study examined associations between the tendency to ruminate and 2 polymorphisms: the Val66Met polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4). Participants were a homogeneous group of healthy, unmedicated, never depressed individuals with few current symptoms of depression (N = 71). Results indicated that met heterozygotes of the BDNF allele were significantly more likely to ruminate than individuals homozygous for the val BDNF allele. There was no association between rumination and the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. Furthermore, the interaction between the 5-HTTLPR and BDNF polymorphisms did not predict rumination. Results suggest that variation in the BDNF gene may contribute to the tendency to ruminate. Because this association exists in healthy adults, it may represent a susceptibility factor for affective disorders. 2009 APA, all rights reserved.

Author information

Author/s: Beevers, Christopher G (CG); Wells, Tony T (TT); McGeary, John E (JE);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA. beevers(-atsign-)psy.utexas.edu

Grants: R01MH076897 (Agency:NIMH NIH HHS) ; S10RR023457 (Agency:NCRR NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

Journal: Emotion (Washington, D.C.) (Emotion), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 9 (issue 4) : pp 579-84

Dates: Created 2009/08/05; Completed 2009/09/28;

PMID: 19653783, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 9/28/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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